What happens next?

[kerrya1234]

Hi lovely people!

I've recently found out I'm pregnant, my dr is aware and I had to fill in some paperwork, I'm apparently due a call from a healthcare advisor to be assigned a midwife, but other than that I really don't know what happens next! Isn't a dr supposed to confirm it with a blood test? When is my first scan? I have an anxiety disorder so I have a tendency to need to know what's happening at every stage, helps me to feel in control haha. If anyone can share any advice please that will be great. In the meantime I'll just sit tight and wait for the call!

I did it a little differently, I didn't even visit a doctor I rung up an appointment hotline? Haha and they booked me in with a midwife, this was bang in the middle of COVID though so my first app was over the phone where they just asked me loads of questions then she booked me in for my 12 week scan and then I had a couple of appointments until my 20 week scan and then a couple more appointments until baby was born.
It's really nothing to stress about, easier said than done I know but it's fine.

Congratulations

@PoppyDotx

I did it a little differently, I didn't even visit a doctor I rung up an appointment hotline? Haha and they booked me in with a midwife, this was bang in the middle of COVID though so my first app was over the phone where they just asked me loads of questions then she booked me in for my 12 week scan and then I had a couple of appointments until my 20 week scan and then a couple more appointments until baby was born. It's really nothing to stress about, easier said than done I know but it's fine.

Congratulations

I did it this way too, I spoke to the receptionist at my gp surgery who told me I didn't need to see a doctor and to phone the hotline and they would sort me out from there. Once I'd done that they booked me in for my first appointment at 12ish weeks to see my midwife. I was very anxious, didn't actually feel pregnant as I had no symptoms etc so we went for a private scan before that which helped calm my anxiety. Congratulations

Nothing much happens until You’re twelve weeks apart from vomiting ( if you’re unlucky). Then it’s scan, see midwife, bloods…

Once you’re assigned a midwife you’ll have a booking in appointment. This is where they take information on your history, your partner’s history, your weight and height and also a wee sample, a blood test and your blood pressure. They won’t confirm pregnancy they just take your word for it.

Then you’ll be booked in for a scan around 12 weeks from your last monthly period. This scan will determine your final due date.

The NHS has a handy webpage with a list of all the usual antenatal appointments. From memory, there’s one at 16 weeks, then your 20 week scan, then 24 weeks (if first pregnancy), 28 weeks, 32 weeks, 36 weeks and then every 1-2 weeks until baby is here.

At your first booking in appointment you’ll also receive a list of appointments with space to right the date and time once they are booked.

Good luck OP and congratulations!

Doctors don't usually confirm pregnancy with a blood test. Home pregnancy tests are accurate enough for confirmation of pregnancy. It sounds like you are "in the system" so you'll probably be told on the phone what happens next.

Typically that's a "booking in" appointment where your midwife will take lots of information about your medical history and fill out your pregnancy notes. You should get a timeline of appointments with your pregnancy notes, which will include a first scan at around 12 weeks, one at 20 weeks and when your midwife check up appointments are. If your pregnancy is low risk there will be less appointments than if you are classified as high risk (eg if your BMI is in the obese range, you have pre-existing conditions that might affect the pregnancy etc etc). Usually high risk pregnancies are seen by a consultant as well as midwives.

Congratulations.
Bear in mind OP that every area does things a little bit differently. Where I am you can register online with the midwives from 6 weeks pregnant onwards. My booking appointment was by phone a few days before the 12 week scan but I had blood tests done before then so they would have the results already.
You will be offered screening tests for the baby.

Have a look at your local hospital Trust under maternity to get an idea of what the system is where you are.
You may be able to access specific help re your anxiety. There are always people here who will give general advice.

@Arecklessmanor

Congratulations. Bear in mind OP that every area does things a little bit differently. Where I am you can register online with the midwives from 6 weeks pregnant onwards. My booking appointment was by phone a few days before the 12 week scan but I had blood tests done before then so they would have the results already. You will be offered screening tests for the baby.

Have a look at your local hospital Trust under maternity to get an idea of what the system is where you are.
You may be able to access specific help re your anxiety. There are always people here who will give general advice.

Thanks a million!

Hi OP. Others have given good advice on what happens first, but I wondered if you might also like to see what my district recommends throughout the pregnancy. Granted, it might be different in your area. This came with the folder I was given just after my telephone booking in appointment with the midwife, and this being my first pregnancy I've found it useful to refer to.

Mine is a self refer to the hospital. at 8-10 weeks they book you in for a booking appt when they go over your history and take basic bloods. then scan and more bloods at 12 weeks. then booked in for 16 week midwife and 20 week scan. thats it

www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/finding-out/